Nicotinic Receptor Alpha 7 Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
| CHRNA7 | |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptor Alpha 7 |
| Gene | [CHRNA7](/genes/chrna7) |
| UniProt ID | [P36544](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P36544) |
| PDB IDs | 7EKO, 6M1H |
| Molecular Weight | 56.5 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Plasma Membrane |
| Protein Family | Cys-Loop Receptor, Nicotinic [Acetylcholine](/entities/acetylcholine) Receptor |
The CHRNA7 protein forms a homomeric pentameric ligand-gated ion channel. Each subunit contains an extracellular N-terminal domain with the characteristic Cys-loop motif, followed by four transmembrane domains (TM1-TM4). The channel pore is formed by the TM2 helices, which line the ion conduction pathway. Each subunit has a molecular weight of approximately 56 kDa. The receptor contains binding sites for acetylcholine and nicotine at the interfaces between subunits. The receptor has high permeability to calcium ions (PCa/PNa ~ 6-10), making it particularly important for calcium-dependent signaling.
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a ligand-gated ion channel that rapidly conducts Na+, K+, and most importantly Ca2+ ions upon acetylcholine or nicotine binding. Key functions include:
α7 nAChR expression in the brain and immune system:
CHRNA7 is critically implicated in neurodegenerative diseases:
The study of Nicotinic Receptor Alpha 7 Protein has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.